Selected articles from the July 2011 issue available online:

Creating welding procedures for abrasive-resistant (AR) materials can be difficult because many of them do not conform to ASTM,ASME, or SAE standards for chemical or mechanical properties. However, these materials can be welded successfully.

If conditions are right, automating your welding operation can improve quality and productivity. Careful consideration of various factors can help you determine if automation is appropriate for your application.

What causes soot and porosity in aluminum welding? Do I need a push/pull gun with my GMAW machine to weld aluminum? Are robots practical for my aluminum application? These questions are answered in this first installment of a new column on thefabricator.com.

The Fabricator Blog

The college track passes right by manufacturing - by Dan Davis

As educators push for their students toward a college-prep curriculum, students are missing out on possible vocational training opportunities and the manufacturing industry is missing out on young talent.